Who is Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis star, who has defeated the world No. 1
Coco Gauff pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final on Saturday, securing her second Grand Slam singles title. With this win, the 21-year-old American tennis star has once again proven she’s not just a rising talent — she’s a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the court, Gauff’s life is a mix of ambition, balance, and growing influence.
The making of a star
Gauff burst into the global spotlight in 2019 at just 15 years old when she defeated her idol Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon. That victory sparked a meteoric rise. Her first Grand Slam win came at the 2023 U.S. Open, and her second — the French Open triumph this weekend — solidifies her place among the sport’s elite.Raised in Delray Beach, Florida, Coco comes from an athletic family: her father played college basketball, and her mother was a track and field star. That discipline shaped her into a focused competitor with a maturity well beyond her years.
Brains and Balance
Even while building a professional tennis career, Gauff has kept education in focus. She completed high school in 2022 through online classes and has continued her learning journey through college-level courses remotely. Her parents have emphasized that education remains a cornerstone, and Coco has echoed that belief in interviews, often saying she wants to be more than just a tennis player.
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Net worth and endorsements
In 2025, Coco Gauff’s net worth is estimated between $3.5 million and $21.7 million. Forbes lists the upper figure, while most financial outlets place it closer to $10–$12 million. Her earnings are driven largely by more than $15 million in career prize money, including payouts from the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 French Open wins, as well as a portfolio of lucrative endorsements.Gauff’s brand partnerships are a who’s who of global names: New Balance (where she has her own apparel line and an upcoming signature shoe), Barilla, Rolex, Head, Bose, and UPS. Her collaboration with New Balance is especially significant, positioning her not just as an athlete but as a marketable icon in fashion and lifestyle.
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Love life and lifestyle
While Gauff keeps her private life largely out of the spotlight, in a 2024 interview with the People she confirmed being in a relationship with someone who comes from a non-tennis background. Despite her rising fame, Gauff remains grounded. She travels with her family when possible, enjoys watching anime, and is known to unplug from social media when the pressure of competition builds. At 21, Coco Gauff has already accomplished more than most athletes twice her age. With two Grand Slam titles under her belt and a steady climb in the WTA rankings, she’s poised for a dominant run. But it’s not just her skill that sets her apart — it’s her poise, her perspective, and her ability to inspire.
